Saint Rita of Cascia

The day after her baptism, Rita was surrounded by a swarm of white bees, which went in and out of her infant mouth without hurting her. Rather than being alarmed, her family believed she was marked to be virtuous and devoted to God. Though she strongly desired to enter the convent, her family objected and arranged for her to be married (at the age of 12) to a man with a very violent temper.  Though he subjected Rita to much physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, she prayed for him and he did eventually become a better man.  

Eventually, after losing her husband and two sons, she was able to join the monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene in Cascia.

When she was close to death, she asked her cousin to bring her a rose from her family garden.  In the middle of January, there was a single rose in bloom that was brought to Rita.  She died four months later. 

Saint Rita is the patron saint of impossible cases, difficult marriages, and parenthood. 

Her feast day is May 22.

Find more information on St. Rita HERE